Karachi needs monsoon-ready urban governance
Multiple weather forecasts suggest that Pakistan and Karachi may yet see an abnormal monsoon season this year, with experts predicting even worse flooding than the 2022 deluge that affected thousands…
Our peri-urban crisis
While Pakistan's metropolitan hubs are expanding rapidly and rural areas still get targeted development support, peri-urban areas – those transitional zones between city and countryside – are becoming increasingly vital…
Urban dimension
AFTER several weeks of protests in Sindh, the canals controversy is now also being echoed on national platforms. President Asif Zardari had to retreat from his earlier endorsement of these…
The climate cost of urban misplanning
“The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. Whatever he does to the web of life, he does to himself." – Chief Seattle (Native American leader).…
Unplanned urban growth
Islamabad, once hailed as a model of urban planning, is now struggling under the weight of its expansion. What was envisioned as a serene, green, and orderly capital has succumbed…
Pakistan’s housing crisis needs innovation
Pakistan's explosive population growth over the past five decades presents a pressing non-traditional national security concern. With ripple effects on water, food, and energy security, this demographic surge threatens social…
The economy needs a reset
The government is all primed to sign a new IMF deal and celebrate more debt. Yet, it needs to reflect why we are in an endless loop of near default…
Looking after the needs
Needs come first followed by import substitution and then exports to earn foreign exchange. The basics like food, clothing and shelter (Roti, Kapra, Makan) must be covered for sustenance. Policy…
Redefining urban spaces
When Yaqub was ten years old, he shared a two-room house with his family of six. With limited space at home, much of his time was spent on the streets.…
Budget tightens the screws on urban middle class
The FY25 budget has been passed, potentially securing next programme from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and unlocking up to $7.5 billion in external flows. While this is a rare…
